VANCOUVER, Wash., March 2 /PRNewswire/ — New Edge Networks, the managed services business communications unit of EarthLink Inc., today announced that 8×8, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGHT), provider of innovative business communications solutions, has established a direct connection to the New Edge AX ecosystem of business applications. 8×8′s VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) network is now directly connected to the nationwide New Edge network.

Aligning with the New Edge AX ecosystem enables 8×8 to deliver its hosted IP voice and unified communications solutions to business customers over a secure, enterprise class IP network environment. 8×8 customers can run business-critical applications over the New Edge IP network or choose the New Edge MPLS network for end-to-end traffic prioritization and predictable application performance.

New Edge AX is a new approach to providing value-added services to the Small and Medium Business (SMB) market. The New Edge AX ecosystem of business applications is built on a nationwide IP network platform enabling application providers such as 8×8 to more efficiently reach customers with the underlying reliability of a performance-driven cloud-computing environment.

“8×8′s partnership with New Edge Networks enables us to better address the VoIP security and performance needs of both SMBs and larger enterprises that require private managed networks to conduct business operations,” said 8×8 President and Chief Financial Officer Dan Weirich. “Businesses that have been reluctant to transition to IP telephony because of concerns with underlying network performance can now be assured of a secure and reliable solution from two established and trusted providers. We look forward to working closely with New Edge to promote and deliver our combined solution to the growing number of businesses migrating to IP based communications services.”

Under the terms of the agreement, 8×8 also has access to the New Edge sales force and can work directly with New Edge account executives located in major cities nationwide.

“We are excited to work with 8×8 to jointly sell services to the millions of SMB customers nationwide,” said Cardi Prinzi, President of New Edge Networks. “With New Edge AX, the SMB market can now access a suite of business applications including 8×8′s VoIP solution using a secure network platform provided by New Edge. These customers will be able to experience all of the features, benefits and cost advantages of 8×8′s services in the New Edge AX environment.”

About 8×8, Inc.

8×8, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGHT) offers integrated voice, video and mobile unified communications solutions for small to medium-sized business and distributed enterprise customers. These solutions leverage existing broadband Internet connections and cellular networks to deliver advanced features and high definition (HD) voice service at a fraction of the cost of legacy alternatives. Businesses of any size, configuration or geographic location can benefit from the cost, performance and operational advantages of 8×8 hosted communications solutions, all of which carry little or no upfront investment, no maintenance or upgrade fees and no change in user behavior. For additional information, visit www.8×8.com

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks provides managed IP-based based networks through a mix of private and public connections to deliver secure, managed network solutions. Connecting business sites at virtually any address in the United States, New Edge allows businesses to choose any blend of available access technologies – from DSL and T1 lines to fiber-optic connections – for building secure MPLS networks with performance guarantees managed over an award-winning portal. A wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc., New Edge is based in Vancouver, Wash. For more information visit www.newedgenetworks.com or call 1-360-693-9009.